Frequently Asked Questions
Where does our water come from?
About 88 percent of our drinking water comes from Lake Mead. The rest is drawn through wells from an aquifer hundreds of feet beneath the Las Vegas Valley. Lake Mead is considered an excellent source of high-quality water because more than 97 percent of the water comes from the Colorado River. The remaining 3 percent comes from the Virgin and Muddy rivers and the Las Vegas Wash.
How is tap water treated?
Nearly all of the water in Southern Nevada is treated at the Alfred Merritt Smith Water Treatment Facility and the River Mountains Water Treatment Facility. Water first is treated with chlorine and ozonation to kill any potentially harmful bacteria and microscopic organisms. It then moves through a direct filtration process to remove any particles. After water leaves the treatment facility, it is disinfected again.
What is the Safe Drinking Water Act, and how does it protect consumers?
For the hundreds of millions of water consumers in the United States, the Safe Drinking Water Act ensures that water quality standards are the same throughout the country. It identifies potential constituents in drinking water and sets safe limits for each of them.
How does the SNWA make sure our water meets Safe Drinking Water standards?
Every month, SNWA scientists collect and analyze hundreds of water samples from throughout the valley. In fact, the SNWA tests even more frequently and extensively than the Environmental Protection Agency requires. The Safe Drinking Water Act requires water purveyors to test for nearly 100 chemicals, radiological and bacteriological contaminants — but we even look for things that are not regulated. Compounds like perchlorate and MTBE -- a gasoline additive -- are not regulated by either the State of Nevada or the EPA, but SNWA's scientists monitor levels on an ongoing basis.
If the water meets federal and state standards, why is there so much media coverage about contaminants?
All drinking water—even bottled water—contains some level of contaminants. However, these naturally-occurring and artificial materials do not necessarily present a health risk. While news reports about water quality are generally accurate, they do not always convey their risk level. For instance, a contaminant may be harmful only if a person consumes hundreds of gallons of water a day. For detailed information about contaminants and potential health effects, consumers can call the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791.
Are there any precautions the public should take?
People with weakened immune systems need to pay special attention to everything they consume. These immuno-compromised groups include people undergoing chemotherapy, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, those who have undergone organ transplants, and some infants and elderly persons. These people should seek advice from their primary healthcare provider about potential risks.
What is the taste in the tap water?
When you "taste" tap water, what you're tasting is the chlorine. Our tap water also contains naturally occurring calcium and magnesium, two harmless minerals are what cause "cloudy" ice and chalky deposits on faucets. These minerals aren't detectable by taste at the levels in which they occur in Southern Nevada's water supply. SNWA also has a Flavor Profile Panel where sensory technicians conduct flavor analyses.
Can't you make the water taste better?
Yes. The technology exists to make tap water taste better, but the treatment is costly. Because only 1 percent of the treated water is used for drinking, and there are no significant health benefits to additional treatment, the public may not want to absorb that cost. However, ozonation may improve the water's taste, especially combined with the chlorine alternative chloramine.
Do water treatment devices really work?
There are a wide variety of home water treatment systems and filters available. Most of these will affect the aesthetic qualities of tap water. Advertisers' claims about safety concerns, however, are not as clear. There are no apparent health advantages to purchasing a home treatment system, with the possible exception of immuno-compromised individuals. It is strictly a personal decision that should be based on preference rather than fear. NSF International, an independent, nonprofit organization, certifies water treatment systems and can provide information about the benefits of various devices. Consumers can reach NSF International at (800) 673-8010.
How can the public get involved?
Southern Nevada Water Authority Board of Directors meets monthly. These meetings are open to the public and citizens have the opportunity to ask questions about water-related issues during each session. The board meetings are held at the Las Vegas Valley Water District, 1001 S. Valley View Blvd., Mead Rooms.
Who can I call if I have any questions?
For information about water quality, call (702) 258-3215. Questions also can be e-mailed to us or mailed via Post Office to the Southern Nevada Water Authority, Public Information Office, 1001 S. Valley View Blvd. M/S 440, Las Vegas, NV 89153. The EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline can be reached at (800) 426-4791.